Mike Elko admits Texas A&M had ‘massive deficiencies’ on roster when he arrived

Mike Elko isn’t sugarcoating anything. In a conversation with On3’s Andy Staples, the newly-hired Texas A&M head coach pulled back the curtain on his concern for the Aggies’ roster when he was first hired.

“We had some massive deficiencies in certain areas that we had to hit really, really well in the January portal,” Elko said. “We were able to do some things in December but I think the majority of what we were primed to do was in January and we went into January knowing we needed to fill some critical spots.

“I think we came out of January in a much better position with where this roster is and what it looks like moving forward.”

Texas A&M lost 20 players in the transfer portal this offseason, including former five-star recruit Walter Nolen. While Elko couldn’t reel in a replacement for Nolen, he did add 23 players in the portal, highlighted by former five-star prospect Dezz Ricks.

Ricks transferred to Texas A&M after only spending one season at Alabama. Ricks entered his name into the portal after legendary head coach Nick Saban announced his retirement. The standout cornerback is expected to make an instant impact for the Aggies, and he isn’t the only one.

Obviously, Texas A&M’s secondary was a point of emphasis for Elko in the offseason. Eight of the team’s 23 incoming transfers are defensive backs. Texas A&M allowed 207.4 passing yards per game last season, ranking No. 37 in the country.

Inside look at Mike Elko’s recruiting pitch

During a press conference earlier this year, Elko gave fans a sneak peek at his pitch to players considering Texas A&M.

“The first thing is Texas A&M has been here for a long time,” Elko said. “And part of the reason why you commit to this place is what this university stands for and what it represents, both on and off the field. I think that has stood the test of time throughout coaches.

“Then, from a coaching perspective, we just talk about how we are going to run an elite football program. We are going to develop young man on and off the field, we’re going to build champions in every aspect of their life, and this is going to be the best football program in the country. I think everybody that walks around here sees the potential. The message that we’ve sent to everybody is that this staff is going to bring the potential to reality, and that’s what we’re here for.”